Seaver is Pepperdine University's College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. As part
of a University founded on Christian values, we provide a superior liberal arts education,
along with unique opportunities for personal discovery.

Marine Biology at Pepperdine University

Does Pepperdine offer marine biology?

Yes, we offer courses in marine biology. All courses in marine biology and related
fields include classroom and laboratory topics that include field trips to local coastal
and ocean sites.

Many biology courses at Pepperdine take advantage of the nearby marine habitats, regardless
of the class title. For example, zoology students take field trips to tidepools. Ecology
students study shorebirds in estuaries and beach habitats. Botany students learn about
marine algae on the beach. Invertebrate zoology students find marine organisms on
piers, in lagoons, and in tidepools.

Pepperdine University is located within 5 minutes of a variety of marine habitats
on the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, including rocky intertidal and lagoon sites. Laboratory
facilities include marine aquaria, and equipment for physiological, ecological, and
molecular research on marine organisms. A number of biology courses involve field
study in marine habitats.

Why is there no major in marine biology?

We feel that students are better served by not specializing as undergraduates. By
obtaining a strong general background in biology, students can be prepared for specialization
in graduate school or medical school, or be prepared to enter a variety of careers.

Marine biologists are biologists that specialize in work on marine organisms. They
begin with a strong background in some area of biology as a technical specialty, such
as ecology, behavior, or embryology.

What if students want experience beyond regular coursework?

Interested students have many options for greater involvement in marine biology and
conservation efforts. Advanced students may elect to do research studies in marine
biology focusing on local organisms, including fishes and invertebrates. Research
opportunities, some with stipends, and honors studies are available competitively
in marine biology and other areas of biology. Many students present their original
research in scientific meetings and publications.

Students from Pepperdine have participated in off-campus courses and research programs
at many field stations for marine biology, including Friday Harbor Laboratories (University
of Washington), Shoals Marine Laboratory (Cornell University), Hopkins Marine Station
(Stanford University), Semester at Sea, and the School for Field Studies.

Students from Pepperdine have obtained internships and positions with Heal The Bay
Aquarium in Santa Monica, ReefCheck, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, SeaWorld San Diego,
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, the Dolphin Institute at the University of
Hawaii, and the Sea Life Park in Oahu.